GP services have returned to Merri Health via the Brunswick Community Medical Centre, marking the practice’s rejoining after 25 years.
Larter Consulting began collaborating with the Merri Health Board and senior executives a few years ago when the Board identified the need for GP services to complement existing community health services.
Larter’s Primary Health Consultant, Mario Gupta says the unique history with Merri Health having run GP services previously meant a considered approach was needed.
“We presented Merri Health with a range of options, but it became clear owning and operating a service in-house was the preferred model.
“Coincidentally, the same practice that Merri Health managed 25 years ago became available.
“While Merri Health acquired the practice, the work was just starting.
“With a very ambitious schedule, within four months we needed to help Merri Health build the skills and capabilities they needed to open and run the service in a sustainable way.”
Larter worked with Merri Health to negotiate all employee agreements with doctors, nurses and administrative staff and undertook accreditation and quality standards.
Another key area was developing the appropriate funding model, related IT and payment services.
A critical element of the plan was communication, supporting stakeholders through this change, noting the history and positively positioning the GP service and its exciting plans for the future.
Shadi Hanna, Merri Health General Manager Aged and Primary Care, said bringing it all together in such a short time was a genuine challenge.
“To be able to transition ownership of the general practice from March to July was so impressive.
“Larter knows how the community health sector operates which was a real drawcard for us.
“Honestly, the transition was so smooth. Because they know primary health and have relationships with GPs, we were able to maintain our doctor workforce, our nursing team and our admin staff.
“Introducing GP services was a big change and many staff had worked under the previous model. Larter really helped us give confidence to our team that the return of GP services would complement and enhance our wider services and delivery for the community.”
It is very early days for the new clinic, but hopes are high that GP services will be expanded further in the future.
GPs are already in high demand from existing clients, but efforts are underway to grow.
Already steps have been taken to improve facilities, with a facelift for the reception area lifting the mood on arrival. There are high hopes for additional rooms, to allow more patients to have access to the service.
“Sometimes the stars align, and throughout Merri Health there is a big sense of achievement.” Shadi added.
“None of this would have been possible without Larter’s diversity of skills. Their intimate knowledge of general practice allowed terrific relationships to be developed with individual doctors which built trust for both long term and more recent staff.
“Their strategic direction helped Merri Health with the policies, procedures and implementation we needed to make the GP service a smooth and successful operation.
“Adding GP services is already benefitting our clients, providing a better overall connection with our other services and specialists.”
Larter was pleased to partner with Merri Health. Contact us to explore how Larter can help your organisation and community through business case development, implementation planning and consultancy support.